What Does Financial Empowerment Look Like?

by Eleanor Blayney, CFP® and Candice McGarvey, CFP®

There’s actually no single correct answer to that question.  In fact, the answer is different for everyone. But we would like to help you begin envisioning what it will look like for you.

Your financial confidence is leading you to greater empowerment when you can …

.

Say this:

1. I  learn from my financial mistakes.
2. I  know I will have enough because I am enough.
3. I am able to set and make progress toward financial goals.
4. I can talk  about money with those I care about.
5. I know enough to make good financial decisions.
6. I know my value in the marketplace and can ask for it.
7. I understand that taking care of myself financially is just as important as taking care of others.
8. I spend money in a way that honors my values and responsibilities.
9. I may choose to delegate, but not abdicate, responsibility for managing my money.
10. When I have questions or fears about money, I speak up and get the support and answers I need.

Instead of:

1. I ruminate over my past mistakes and am ashamed.
2. I will never be financially well.
3. Setting goals makes no difference because I never reach them.
4. Money is a taboo topic of conversation, it makes people uncomfortable.
5. I will never understand enough of the financial industry to be effective.
6. I don’t have much to offer professionally so I never ask for more.
7. I will take care of myself once my children/spouse/family is/are financially stable.
8. I spend money when I feel like it, with little thought about the long term effects.
9. I can’t handle my money on my own, someone else needs to do it for me.
10. When I need help, I figure I’m beyond helping so I never do anything about it.

Which path will you choose? The path toward financial empowerment?

If that’s the direction you’re headed, consider hiring a financial coach.